Empowering Africa: AU Commissioner Champions AI as Key to Health Transformation

From October 13-15, 2024, the World Health Summit brought together in Berlin, Germany global leaders, health experts, and policymakers to explore new strategies for improving health and well-being worldwide. This year's summit highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing health outcomes, with discussions centred on how AI technologies can be harnessed to address pressing global health challenges.

In a standout session organised by Google, titled "AI in Health: From Promise to Practice - How AI is Impacting Health Outcomes Worldwide," H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, addressed the relevance of AI for Africa, dispelling common misconceptions about its role on the continent. She highlighted that AI is not only applicable but essential for Africa's future, especially considering the continent's young population and rapid digitalisation. "Contrary to popular belief, AI is highly relevant for Africa. Our young generation is tech-savvy and eager to embrace digital transformation. By investing in AI, we can equip them with tools that will drive innovation and economic growth", she said.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid shared successful AI applications across Africa, pointing to initiatives in Zambia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Egypt that have harnessed AI to address critical health and infrastructure challenges. However, she also stressed that AI must be accessible to all African nations, creating an inclusive digital landscape that benefits every community. "This is not just about a few African countries adopting AI; it's about creating a common African AI story that reaches every corner, even the most remote rural areas", she stated.

She also discussed the challenges posed by limited access to electricity, which directly impacts AI adoption and healthcare delivery, alluding to the fact that 75% of healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa do not have reliable access to electricity, affecting everything from basic health services to digital advancements. Overcoming these infrastructural barriers is essential to harnessing AI's potential across the continent, underscoring that investments in energy infrastructure are as critical as investments in technology. "Without reliable power, the promise of AI cannot be fully realised," she explained.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid also addressed the need for AI models that are specifically adapted to the African context. "Existing AI models are built with data that does not represent African populations, leading to biases in health and other sectors. It is essential to produce and interpret data that reflects our unique populations and to eliminate data and automation biases," she said. Commissioner Abou-Zeid also highlighted the importance of African ownership over its data, which she described as a cornerstone of the continent's AI strategy. "In the age of customisation, Africa must produce and own its data to drive genuine digital transformation", she added.

At a VIP breakfast session on AI Applications in African Healthcare, Commissioner Abou-Zeid delved further into the potential of AI to address specific health challenges, such as road safety and clean cooking. "Road safety is a leading cause of death in Africa, but AI offers solutions like smart roads and intelligent vehicles that can significantly reduce fatalities. Similarly, AI can play a role in promoting clean cooking solutions, which is another major health issue", she noted.

In addition to AI and its health applications, Commissioner Abou-Zeid also addressed other critical issues impacting Africa's health landscape. Highlighting African success stories, she referred to Egypt's ambitious 100 Million Health Campaign, which successfully screened over 60 million people within a year, providing free treatment to those diagnosed with hepatitis C. This groundbreaking initiative not only significantly reduced the prevalence of hepatitis C in the country but also showcased the potential for large-scale health interventions across the continent.

The World Health Summit also featured contributions from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Bill Gates Both leaders echoed the importance of global cooperation and solidarity, reinforcing the message that Africa is not only resilient but also a vital player in shaping the future of global health.

Read more about the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy at: https://au.int/en/documents/20240809/continental-artificial-intelligence-strategy

For further information, please contact:

1. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: [email protected], Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
2. Bezayit Eyoel | Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: [email protected]|
3. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: [email protected]